Gov. Aiyedatiwa Bags Double Honour as ‘A gbó ti àgbè1’ and Grand Patron, OSACA

 Ondo State Agricultural Commodities Association,on behalf of Farmers and Agricultural Commodity Associations in the state,on Monday 8th April 2024 honoured the State Governor Hon Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa with the title; A gbó ti àgbè 1 of Ondo State along with his position of Grand Patron of OSACA being the Executive Governor of the State.

The award was presented to Mr. Govenor during the flag off of the distribution of 1200 tonnes of maize palliatives and commodities to citizens and farmers.

Speaking on behalf of all value chains, the Chairman of the Ondo State Pig Farmers Association Olori Mercy Williams and Pa Idowu Komolafe of the Sheep and Goat value chain thanked Mr. Governor for doing a yeoman’s job.

The chairman of OSACA, Mr. Gbenga Obaweya while also speaking during the award presentation said the gesture is in recognition of Mr. Governor’s giant strides in alleviating the plight of livestock farmers towards ensuring food security in the state.

He used the occasion to commend him noting that OSACA as a body is very happy with him for not only showing commitment to meeting the needs of farmers but also ensuring that the citizens get access to food Items at affordable prices.

Giving his remarks earlier, the Govenor noted that his administration is committed to addressing escalating cost of food in the state.

He also highlighted that the establishment of the committee on Agriculture and Food security, tasked with the responsibility of taking immediate action in response to the challenge has demonstrated government’s commitment to addressing the challenges of hunger and malnutrition.

While enumerating some of his administration’s efforts in promoting sustainable agriculture which include initiatives such as the Red Gold Project, greenhouse installations for vegetable production, and the establishment of cattle and pig villages among others, Mr. Govenor acknowledged the challenges posed by factors like insecurity, poverty, and inadequate infrastructure.

He emphasized the need for empowering smallholder farmers, particularly women and youths, through training, capacity building, and access to credit just as he announced the distribution of 40 trailers of maize to poultry, fish, and piggery farmers, with plans for further distributions of various food commodities in the future.

At the event also was the Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami, the secretary to the state government, Tayo Oluwatuyi, Chief of staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa, Chief judge of Ondo state, Olusegun Odusola, Speaker, House of Assembly, Rt Hon, Olamide Oladiji, APC state chairman, Ade Adetimehin among other top government functionaries.

The event also afforded the Chairman, Committee on Agriculture and Food Security,, Mr. Rotimi Wemimo Akinsola, the opportunity to express gratitude to Mr. Governor for establishing the committee just as he restated that the committee will remain dedicated to realizing the Governor’s agricultural initiatives in the state.

He however charged farmers who have received agricultural commodities to utilize them effectively and to lower prices of their food items by harvest time.